16 DESCRIPTIONS OF SOjMK NEW ARANEID.E OF N.S.W 



DESCRIPTIONS OF SOME NEW ARANEID^ OF NEW 

 SOUTH WALES. No. 2. 



By W. J. Rainbow. 



(Plate III.) 



Family EPEIRID^. 



This family has a wide geographical range, and representatives 

 of it are met with in countries varying greatly in temperature. 

 They are, for the most part, sylvan in their choice of locality, 

 though many of them construct their orbitular snares under eaves 

 of buildings, verandahs, and other prominent and exposed posi- 

 tions. Both as regards size, form, structure and consistency of 

 their integument there are many interesting and remarkable 

 contrasts, in which respect the Australian species present some 

 notable examples. Many of the Epeiridce are also remarkable for 

 their bright and gorgeous colours, of which the genera Ep'eira, 

 Argiope, Nepliila^ Arcys, &c., supply most interesting types. 



Of the species described in the present paper, all are represen- 

 tatives of Micro-Araneidw, and with the exception of Anepsia 

 crinita, each is endowed in life with more or less bright and 

 striking colours. 



Genus E p E I R A, "Walck. 



Epeira diversiCOLOR, sp.nov. 

 (Plate III. figs. 1, la, lb.) 



9. Cephalothorax, l'3mm. long, 1 mm. broad; abdomen, 2mm. 

 long, 1 mm. broad. 



Cephalothorax dark glossy mahogany-brown, glabrous. Caput 

 somewhat elevated, rounded on sides and upi)er part ; normal 



